TOP HEALER REAPS WHAT HE SOWS
He has let his garden grow, now Mamelodi traditional ‘doctor’ is in line for top award
THE LAST THING Dr Ephraim Mabena expected while clearing rubble from a dumpsite in 2001 to transform it into a botanical garden was to be acknowledged by the National Science and Technology Forum.
Mabena has now made it on to the list of what is regarded as the “Science Oscars”. The award recognises, celebrates and rewards the outstanding contributions of individuals, teams and organisations to science, engineering and technology in the country.
Previously, the awards were made at a glittering gala dinner. However, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, the 2020 event will be online tomorrow. Mabena is on the list along with experienced scientists, engineers, innovators, science communicators, engineering capacity builders, organisational managers and leaders, as well as data and research managers.
He is the only traditional healer among professors in his category. He is the founder of Mothong African Heritage Trust.
“For me, it is important to know that what you do makes a difference.
“I would like to thank the organisation for the recognition of my contribution.” The botanical park is situated above Section H and forms part of the Magaliesberg biosphere, which has been recognised by Unesco.
This once smelly dump, where murderers dumped bodies, is now the pride of Mamelodi.
“I am overwhelmed by the acknowledgement. I still can’t believe it. To think that when I started it I found a dead body there… now it has turned into a place of learning for indigenous knowledge systems,” said Mabena, a traditional doctor and a former Umkhonto weSizwe operative.
He works with his wife Mabel – also a traditional doctor. He said the award would go far in giving the people of Mamelodi a sense of pride.
Mabena’s goal is to use indigenous knowledge systems and modern sciences to change socio-economic development. He said traditional medicine was taking its “space in the modern world”, and slowly being seen as an integral part of society.
The site features a large garden, where indigenous medicinal plants are being preserved, and it has a bird sanctuary. It also has a large open garden for cultural events and traditional ceremonies. In addition, they are producing skin and medicinal products which use wild plants and herbs in the area.
Schools bring learners there to learn about the plants and animals on the mountain and the significance of conservation.
Mabena said he hoped the gardens would be used for programmes to help township youths who were addicted to nyaope, which was wreaking havoc in the community.
He said indigenous knowledge can work hand-in-hand in the modern pharmaceutical space to find a cure or vaccine for Covid-19.
He said that in South Africa traditional medicines were important to a larger population; it is estimated that more than 65% of the country’s population are reliant on herbal, complementary and alternative medicines.
He said the once taboo Artemisia afra (African wormwood), known as umhlonyane or lengana, was commonly used by traditional healers and this was an example of people gravitating towards traditional medicine.
Mothong is in partnership with Unisa, the University of Pretoria, the Tshwane University of Technology, the CSIR and the Department of Science and Technology.
The garden has won awards for best field care, best rehabilitation project and best community natural resources.